Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

[Kelsey]

I am looking to add another dual EL-84 15-18 watt combo amp to my collection, and I think it's down to a choice between a used Marshall 1974X 18-watt handwired combo (excellent condition) or a new Bad Cat Cub II (nonreverb, custom ordered). The prices are in the same ballpark. I've played both, along with some others, and these two seem to ring my bell. What distinguishes these two amps is the strong low end and big sound that they deliver relative to my Orange AD15 and a couple of other 15-watters I've tried.

I'd appreciate any opinions on the pros and cons of these two amps. I primarily play Fender Teles, but I have a couple of Strat and Gibsons in the mix, too. As for my current amps, I have a couple of vintage Fenders (BF/blonde Tremolux, SF Champ and Princeton) and tweed-era Gibsons ('59 SKylark and Explorer) in addition to the Orange. I play primarily blues-based music.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Mkf411]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

Haven't played either of those, but they seem like good choices.

But you should also consider Dr. Z.

Maybe a Maz 18. It's got EL-84's and is a killer amp in head or combo. Comes with or without reverb.

 

[Young Angus]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

Forget them both, and go get yourself a komet constellation!

http://www.kometamps.com/constellation.html

Make sure you check out the clips to hear what this amp is capable of...you'll flip!

 

[Kelsey]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

The Komet sounds great, but it's more than I need at 33 watts and more than I can afford, although the price per watt is about the same as the 1974X and Cub.

 

[pureoldsound]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

How about Kingsley amps?

 

[gt5litre]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

I really think the larger cab sizes contribute a lot to the extra low end you hear. Try the Orange through a larger cab. I think you would be surprized. The smll cab can make the AD15 sound....well small. I still like the AD15 a lot.

Brent

 

[gt5litre]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

Another amp I like is the Mesa F-30, but I hate the combo. I do not know if it is the standard speaker, a Vintage 30, or if the small cab causes it. Seems congested. However, I played an F-30 head with a wide-body open-back Mesa cab AND IT SOUNDED GREAT. The cab had a C90 Black Shadow in it too, but the larger cab volume seemed to help a bit as I see and hear it.

Brent

 

[JeffB]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

Another amp I like is the Mesa F-30, but I hate the combo. I do not know if it is the standard speaker, a Vintage 30, or if the small cab causes it. Seems congested. However, I played an F-30 head with a wide-body open-back Mesa cab AND IT SOUNDED GREAT. The cab had a C90 Black Shadow in it too, but the larger cab volume seemed to help a bit as I see and hear it.

Brent

Ditto...it's the V-30...in a 1/2 back...yuk..nasally. The head through a closed back cab is incredible.

I haven't played the Marshall or BadCats tho.

 

[Jeff_H]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

I'm a big Marshall fan, and have heard great things about the 18w handwireds. I've played the Bad Cat Cub, and loved the clean tones. I didn't get to turn the OD up very much, but wasn't overly impressed. I would guess either has it's ups and downs, with Marshall having the edge on the OD sounds, and probably comming up short on the cleans, although that's just and educated guess.

Marshall would probably be my first choice.

 

[Scott_F]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

I'd build my own 18 watt Marshall clone, or I'd pick up one of those new Vox AC30CC heads if I wanted more of a Vox tone.

 

[kevlar3000]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

On old El84 Traynor Bassmate is among the most lovely sounding amps I have ever played or owned. Has a different mid that puts it squarly in Marvox heaven. Can't believe how good mine sounds. Strats love this amp.

 

[Kelsey]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

Thanks for the comments. I am considering a different cab for my Orange AD15, as I think cab volume does have a lot to do with the low en and openness of the tone. Aside from cost, the only drawback with the Marshall 1974X is the lack of master volume -- I know a lot of people don't care for a MV, but I think it adds flexibility to an amp if used properly. The Marshall had more headroom with a Tele than I expected -- not a bad thing, but it means getting an attenuator to reign it in for recording with OD. The Bad Cat Cub has a defeatable MV, which is a very flexible option, but I would have to play with the OD a bit more.

I guess I'll have to do some more testing and looking -- fortunately, there isn't a rush.

 

[Mincer]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

how bout a Mesa Blue Angel? 4 EL84s & 2 6v6s alone or *at the same time*..mmmmm

 

[That90'sGuy]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

I dig my Fargen; it's 30w switchable down to 15w. Vox makes great stuff as well.

Bear in mind, even 15w can rip your head off. They are much louder than people give them credit for.

I didn't like the Hot Cat I used to own, so I'm kinda steered away from Bad Cat, but I have heard great things about both the Cub II and Trem Cat.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

I chose "Other". I have no experience with these Amps, but I have played thru a Bogner Shiva, and I would highly recommend this. It is a Plexi type of Amp, but it seems to have a tighter bottom, and has a lot more control over the gain. 2 Channels each has its own gain and volume, and then it has a Master volume for the whole thing. Very well designed and easy to use. Most importantly is the tone is utterly amazing!

 

[Nite_Maresz_25]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

Mesa f-30 all the way.

Peavey classic 30 is good for more classic/bluesy tones.

 

[Kelsey]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

OK, you guys are recommending some very nice amps, but you're inching up the wattage scale. I think 15 watts is sufficient for my needs (primarily recording, small gigs at best), and I don't really want to pay more in terms of dollars or weight in dealing with this amp. I know that 15 watts is louder than some people think, which is why I appreciate the addition of a MV if it's done right (or I'll need an attenuator). Ideally, an amp that's switchable between 15 or so watts and 4 or 5 watts would be best for me, but I want something with a good foundation tone and good low end and openness.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

OK, you guys are recommending some very nice amps, but you're inching up the wattage scale. I think 15 watts is sufficient for my needs (primarily recording, small gigs at best), and I don't really want to pay more in terms of dollars or weight in dealing with this amp. I know that 15 watts is louder than some people think, which is why I appreciate the addition of a MV if it's done right (or I'll need an attenuator). Ideally, an amp that's switchable between 15 or so watts and 4 or 5 watts would be best for me, but I want something with a good foundation tone and good low end and openness.

Easy then ..Lone Star Special...5-30 watts switchable. Was lisenin to one yesterday...very sweet.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

This one.

I'll second the comment about even 15 watts being loud; my blue mutant certainly is. Good news is, attenuators for 15 watts are cheap, so don't worry about the MV. Weber Mini-MASS is good, and some folks have even had good luck with a cheap L-pad speaker attenuator from Radio Shack.

 

[SpeedDemon]

Re: Which EL-84 amp would you choose?

Dr.Z the best amps ever created in my opinion, check em out, there definatly amazing.